Kaija Carter: Bringing the Black Lives Matter Movement to Iowa
She isn’t waiting for a high-profile case to put Des Moines on the map; she’s rallying for change now. Words by: Selchia Cain | Photography by Rachel Collins | Audio by Mario Rossi | May 13, 2015 It’s cloudy and damp — not ideal weather for a protest. But there the teen stands on a […]
Addressing Nitrates in Des Moines’ Drinking Water
One of America’s most costly and challenging problems is rooted in The Mississippi Valley river waters. Words by Faith Brar and Amanda Horvath | Videos and photography by Amanda Horvath | Graphic by Erin Menardi | May 13, 2015 In mid-April, Carol Miller drove down the highway on the outskirts of Ankeny, Iowa, in her […]
A Custom Chair Maker in an Assembly Line Age
Rance Hilton makes handcrafted chairs using wood not imported from Asia, but from the trees that blew over during storms. Words by Meagan Flynn | Photography and Video by Amanda Horvath | May 12, 2015 The sky is usually black and lit up with lightning when Rance Hilton prepares for a job. He’s kind of […]
Iowa’s Last Holocaust Survivor
David Wolnerman shares his story and reflects on his life in America. Words by Kayli Kunkel and Annelise Tarnowski | Video by Cameron Johnson | May 11, 2015 David Wolnerman was a young, Jewish boy raised in a small Polish town, just a few miles from Auschwitz. During World War II, Wolnerman and his family […]
The Fight Is Not Over Yet
LGBT organizations around the Midwest don’t settle for just getting same-sex marriage legalized. Words by Mario Rossi | Audio by Mario Rossi | Photography Provided by Lavender Media Inc., Equality Illinois, One Iowa, and LGBTA Alliance at Iowa State | May 7, 2015 Although the Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments on the Constitutionality of […]
Windmill Crusaders
Vermeer Windmill in Pella, Iowa, is the tallest and largest Dutch windmill, and it will stay that way. Words by Malinda Jorgensen | Photography by Malinda Jorgensen | May 7, 2015 Jim Brandl, a volunteer miller at Vermeer Windmill, walks up uncountable flights of narrow wooden stairs — slowly making his way to the top […]
Beyond Stereotypes with Beyond Buckskin
Jessica Metcalfe’s blog and boutique aim to give Native American designers a voice in mainstream fashion. Words by Luna Ward | Photography Provided by Beyond Buckskin, Sun Rose Iron Shell, Candace Halcro, David Gaussoin, and Jared Yazzie | May 4, 2015 Jessica Metcalfe paces between her office and inventory room. They’re conveniently located next to […]
Coaching Equality
Title IX made strides for female athletics, but do coaches still face gender bias? Words by Kayli Kunkel | Audio by Mario Rossi | Photography by Jon Fravel | May 4, 2015 Title IX was an Educational Amendment enacted in 1972. It fought gender discrimination by ensuring equal funding for all male and female activities […]
Stargazing in the Heartland
How astronomer Steve Kawaler travels the galaxy from the Midwest. Words by Avery Gregurich | Photos courtesy of Jason M. Boucher, Gooi Ying Chyi, and Steve Kawaler | April 30, 2015 Astronomer Steve Kawaler never wants to take a break from considering the cosmos. But if he does, it’s to play baseball — preferably at […]
